The stars came out for Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou.

AJ sent Ngannou to sleep in the second round of their thrilling crossover clash to save boxing’s reputation.

The former heavyweight champion scored two early knockdowns before shutting off his adversary’s lights with a booming right hand at the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudia Arabia on Friday night.

Jose Mourinho and the Brazilian Ronaldo were at ringside to witness the stunning stoppage – and both made their way up to the apron to congratulate the Brit.

While his training team began to unlace his gloves Joshua saw the football legends edging closer towards him and leaned over the ropes to acknowledge the pair.

“My guy, my guy,” said Joshua as he shook Mourinho’s hand.

“You’re incredible,” gushed the Portuguese manager.

Mourinho and Ronaldo weren’t the only big-name celebrities to turn out in Saudi Arabia.

Cristiano Ronaldo, was as always, in the front row while boxing icons Mike Tyson, Manny Pacquiao, David Haye and Kell Brook were all in attendance as well.

Ngannou’s former dance partner Tyson Fury, who struggled immensely against the Cameroonian cage fighter last October, was also front and centre for the clash.

Anthony Joshua congratulated by Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho! 💪#JoshuaNgannou pic.twitter.com/0K3Sg5vu42

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) March 9, 2024

Speaking on the DAZN broadcast in the immediate aftermath of AJ-Ngannou, he said: “I’m sure Oleksandr Usyk will have something to say something about that. I had a s*** performance against Ngannou.

“AJ did absolutely fantastic and lit him up with a right hand, if he fights me after I beat Usyk twice then it will be a different game.

“There is quite a long way to go, fantastic performance from AJ but I have bigger fish to fry.

“If we are both still available after my two fights with Usyk, let’s get it on.

“He has to keep active and maybe he can fight Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF belt.”